Focus turns to youth violence for Our Western Downs Youth Week

Our region’s young people will get an insight into the impacts of youth-related violence when Our Western Downs Youth Week commences from Monday 23 May at participating schools across the region.

Students from Chinchilla, Dalby, Jandowae, Tara, Miles and Wandoan will be given the opportunity to create chalk art masterpieces with Queensland artist Monique Cannon;

The Matthew Stanley Foundation will be speaking to students on the dangers of youth violence and what to do when they find themselves in a dangerous situation;

Our Western Downs Youth Week provides our region’s young people with an open and interactive forum to talk about issues that affect them.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Kaye Maguire said this year’s theme for Our Western Downs Youth Week puts the spotlight on youth violence and the consequences of this behaviour.

“Youth-related violence is a very serious issue facing many young people in our communities, with teenagers the most at risk of being involved in some form of physical violence. So, for this year’s Our Western Downs Youth Week we’re encouraging our young people to say ‘no’ to violence,” she said.

“We’re welcoming the Matthew Stanley Foundation into our region’s schools to chat to them about how violence can impact on their family and friends, as well as some tips on safety and how students can look out for each other.

“They’ll also get a chance to express their feelings, thoughts and frustrations on youth violence through chalk art workshops with artist Monique Cannon.

“Through Our Western Downs Youth Week events we want to create an open forum for young people across our region to start the conversation and bring awareness to the seriousness and potentially life-changing risks of youth-related violence.”

For more information on Our Western Downs Youth Week and participating schools contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL or email info@wdrc.qld.gov.au.

The Matthew Stanley Foundation seeks to promote non-violence and mutual respect among young people and responsible behaviour in the adult community, for more information about the Foundation visit www.matthewstanleyfoundation.com/.